Tuesday, 6 February 2018
STATE Parliament is back in from today and local MP Adam Marshall has already formulated his list of priorities for the region and the doors he needs to knock on to ensure the projects and programs at the top of that list receive the attention and the funding necessary for prompt delivery to the community.
Mr Marshall said the redevelopment of the Inverell District Hospital was top of his list and he had been working closely with NSW Health Infrastructure and the Minister for Health to ensure the delivery of the funding necessary to build a hospital that would meet the expectations of the community.
“Late last year and upon my request, the Minister for Health facilitated a meeting in Inverell with representative from NSW Health Infrastructure, Hunter New England Health, Inverell Shire Council and local clinicians,” Mr Marshall said.
“It was a very productive meeting and I was able to go forward with a very clear understanding of what is required to ensure the community gets a health facility that will accommodate the towns growing needs and expectations
“I will now be pushing to get redevelopment plans finalised and ready to call for tenders for Stage 1.”
Mr Marshall said next on his list was a new renal dialysis unit for Moree Hospital.
“This request is nonnegotiable – it’s vital Moree residents have access to a renal dialysis unit that will meet the growing health needs of the community and ensure patients don’t have to travel far from home to receive their treatment,” he said.
Mr Marshall also flagged his commitment to secure $10.5 million from the NSW Government to build a new 19.8 kilometre water pipeline from Malpas Dam to Guyra
“This pipeline could singlehandedly solve the town’s water security and quality issues for decades,” Mr Marshall said.
“With low rainfall threatening to leave Guyra dry in recent years, it’s clear that action must be taken soon to allow the community’s continued growth as a residential and horticultural destination.
“I will also be looking for funding to help Armidale Regional Council develop a 73-lot Business Park at the Armidale Airport precinct.
“I’ve invited Deputy Premier and Regional NSW Minister John Barilaro to tour the park site personally to see the area’s potential and get an understanding of the huge economic impact the project will have on the region.
“These plans have been a long time in the making, but now the time is right to open up this park and start creating hundreds of news jobs in the region.”
Mr Marshall and Armidale Regional Council is requesting $5 million from the NSW Government, with council to fund the remaining $2.2 million, to subdivide 17.5 hectares of land to the immediate south of the airport, building roads, utilities and amenities to cater to up to dozens of new industrial and commercial lots.
A new RFS Fire Control Centre in Glen Innes, support for the new Moree Academy proposal and sealing Main Road 507 between Mungindi and Boomi, are projects also in Mr Marshall’s sights over the next fortnight during the first parliamentary sitting session.